FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers plead the fifth

June 12, 2013 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio -- The Lake Erie Crushers scored four times on four hits in the fifth inning of Wednesday night's contest at All Pro Freight Stadium against the Evansville Otters, and came away with an 8-4 victory to even the series.

The Crushers (10-13) have registered 23 hits in the first two games of the series, and scored their first win at home since May 31, while the loss for the Otters (15-7) was just their second in their last eight games.

Lake Erie plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the early advantage. Daniel Bowman, who drove in half of Lake Erie's runs, blasted a two-run shot, his first of the season to snap a scoreless tie.

The Otters responded with a trio of runs in the top of the second. John Nester tied the game with a two-run shot, his fourth of the season, and Nick Schwaner gave them the lead on a two-out RBI double.

The Crushers trailed 3-2, until they struck for four runs in the fifth. Ricardo Lizcano began the inning with a solo homer, his first of the year to knot the game at 3-3. The Crushers had two on with two out, when Andrew Davis belted his fourth homer of the season, giving the Crushers a 6-3 advantage.

Lake Erie plated two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Kevin Berard and Lizcano were on when Lake Erie received another big two-out extra base hit, as Bowman smashed a two-run double to give Lake Erie an 8-3 lead.

The Otters plated one final run in the top of the eighth inning, after Ryan Kresky walked with the bases loaded, but that was as close as they would get the rest of the way.

Dave Middendorf (3-1) went seven innings, and allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out five along the way to score the victory, while Matt Crim (1-2) allowed six runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings of work and suffered the loss.

Three Crushers hit safely multiple times on the night, and it was Bowman who led the way with a 2-for-4 performance with four runs driven in. Anderson Hidalgo singled twice, and Lizcano went 2-for-3, while reaching three times on the night. Davis's three-run homer extended his hitting streak to 13 games.

The Crushers will finish their three game series against the Evansville Otters at All Pro Freight Stadium on Thursday night. The Crushers will start right hander Matt Smith (2-0, 3.56) and the Otters will start left hander Matt Zielinski (2-0, 1.58). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, and 2011 Frontier League Organization of the year, play ball at All Pro Freight Stadium, a 5,000 capacity stadium located in Avon, Ohio. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 14 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now! For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.

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Frontier League Stories from June 12, 2013


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